Meritor, a global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle markets, is expanding its existing operations in Manning, South Carolina. The $5.2 million investment is projected to create 31 new jobs in Clarendon County.

Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Meritor is a leading global supplier of commercial vehicle systems and solutions for a variety of industries. The company serves truck, trailer, defense, specialty and aftermarket customers around the world.

Meritor is investing in its existing Clarendon County facility, making upgrades to its assembly lines to improve safety, quality and efficiency to accommodate demand in the commercial vehicle market.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits, as well as a $200,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to assist with the costs of site preparation and building improvements.

“As our company continues to grow, we are pleased to make this significant investment in our Manning, S.C. facility. This plant is vital in providing a leading share of the brakes for the commercial vehicle industry in the United States and plays an important role in our global operations network,” Meritor Senior Vice President Chris Vallavarayan said.

“South Carolina has emerged as a leader in advanced manufacturing, and our business-friendly climate and trained workforce are responsible for that. Expansions like this one by Meritor underscore our state’s ability to not only make things, but make them well,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Meritor’s expansion is part of the ever-growing commercial vehicle industry in the region. After two decades of manufacturing in Clarendon County, Meritor continues to add quality manufacturing jobs and investment,” Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan said.